The launch of Horizon2020 and close of the first deadlines in February has shown the appetite of Europes researchers from industry and academia for funding.
Research and innovation models are changing dramatically. The emergence of platforms such as advanced therapeutics is accelerating a change from innovation within big centres and universities to smaller, decentralised and more focused units.
There are sinister moves in the world of data protection, and I need to mobilise you my crack squad of guerrilla scientists. The EC is showing its ugly face, and its going to impact you.
As we all know, the European Commission is under intense pressure to reduce costs and shed the image of being a gravy train. This is a favourite topic at the national level in the ongoing fight against the reign of terror from Brussels.
Theres no question that Europes biotech sector produces high-quality science. We have world-class research organisations and start-ups, as witnessed by the number of alliances with Big Pharma and the number of products being registered.
Shhhhh, is that the sound of a chicken coming home to roost in Switzerland? Worried? If you are a scientist working internationally, you should be and not just because you want a job in Switzerland.
In October 2012, the European Commission issued a communication on its new Industrial policy identifying biotechnology as one of six Key Enabling Technologies. Biotech will be an important tool in helping Europe deliver on its Europe 2020 strategy of creating an innovative, resource-efficient, smart, sustainable and inclusive economy.
When penicillin was discovered by Dr. Alexander Fleming in 1928, people around the world believed it was one of the greatest medical and scientific advances in the history of mankind and they were right. Before penicillin, a bacterial infection in a minor cut or injury could easily become fatal. Diseases like scarlet fever, pneumonia, meningitis and diphtheria were essentially untreatable.
I am spoiled for choice this month on things that make me happy about biotech. Three things have happened across Europe that confirm the field has great people that work hard, recognise the truth when it is kicking you in the ankle and arent afraid to try something different.
In the past year, the debate surrounding increased transparency of clinical trials has seen a great deal of progress. From an industry perspective, we have engaged more openly with a greater diversity of stakeholders on the topic – a positive development, as an intelligent exchange of ideas is needed to determine the best path forward.